LYNN — Confidence from within. Despite having one win last season, Saugus football coach Steve Cummings said there were 50 people on Earth who knew his program would be 3-0 in late September.
Once Saturday’s rainy matinee against Lynn Tech (2-1) came to an end at Manning Field, they were right. The Sachems defeated the Tigers, 27-18.
“We expected it, and I don’t mean to sound cocky when I say that,” Cummings said. “If other people are surprised, that’s on them.”
A boatload of starpower comes with one problem: getting everyone their touches. Despite admitting that task was a challenge at times, the stars of Saugus came to play.
“We have guys that are dangerous in space, so it’s my job as a play-caller to call plays that are going to make them successful,” Cummings said. “We want to give people as much to worry about as possible.”
Mission accomplished. Running back Tommy DeSimone (3 TDs), quarterback Cam Preston (102 yards), and receiver Isaiah Rodriguez (4 catches, 42 yards) all delivered.
“Tommy DeSimone had some huge runs to keep some drives going,” Cummings said. “Isaiah Rodriguez is so natural. The game comes to him so easily.”
Perhaps the game’s biggest play, however, came from defensive superstar Braden Faiella, who led the Northeastern Conference with 184 tackles last season.
Tech led 12-6 in the first half courtesy of Ethan Prum touchdowns – one rushing, another from quarterback Jadiel Ortega. Then, disaster struck.
With 28 seconds remaining until halftime, Tech opted for a slip screen and it was intercepted by Faiella for a return touchdown (12-12; extra point no good).
“I just saw a screen pass… I saw it go up a little bit,” Faiella said. “I went and got it and made the play.”
He admitted he doesn’t run the ball as well as teammate DeSimone.
“It felt like a mile, but it was only… 10 yards,” Faiella said.
In the compliment battle, DeSimone returned the favor.
“That changed the momentum of the game,” DeSimone said. “Who else with the pick-six, huh?”
Momentum, indeed. DeSimone ran one in from 27 yards out to give Saugus a 19-12 lead midway through the third quarter.
“I play running back and I can’t do what I do without the offensive line,” DeSimone said.
Tech was undefeated for a reason, however. Ortega lined one down the middle to Cesar Reyes who took it to the house for an 89-yard touchdown to start the fourth quarter, but the two-point attempt was intercepted by Tommy Cameron of the Sachems.
“Overall, I thought my team was competitive. We showed a lot of grit and toughness,” Runner said.
The game was put to bed courtesy of DeSimone’s third touchdown and Danny Shea’s two-point conversion on the ground (27-18) with 4:45 remaining in the fourth.
“Cam did a great job in the second half distributing to guys,” Cummings said. “And Danny Shea, that two-point conversion wins us the game.”
On Tech’s ensuing drive, Faiella broke up a pass and, two plays later, the Tigers turned it over on downs.
“Braden is a generational talent. Not only is he a fantastic football player, but he practices like that every single day,” Cummings said. “He’s a 4.0 student in the classroom, if not better. He’s a three-sport standout. He’s just everything you want in a high school football player.”
Tech’s Ortega was injured in the fourth quarter and had to leave the facility. After a long waiting period and the final minutes of the game, both teams gathered in a circle at midfield while Runner delivered a prayer.
“We appreciate sportsmanship more than everything. We thought it was important that even though we’re competing and working hard out here, we obviously want everyone to get off the field safely,” Runner said. “Me and the head coach talked about doing it during the (injury) situation.”
Runner added he thinks “Jadiel is going to be OK” and was appreciative of Saugus for joining the postgame connection.
“Nobody wants to see that. When you see a kid on the ground and he’s in trouble… I thought the training staff did a fantastic job,” Cummings said. “It’s respect for the game…. Hopefully, everything is going to work out for that young man.”
Tech hosts Boston English next while Saugus welcomes Swampscott. Both games are Friday at 7 p.m.
“We have, I would say, six or seven guys who are going to play college football,” Cummings said. “We’ve got another big test next week in Swampscott.”
